MPA Says Copyright Law Must Be Defended In AI Age
The Motion Picture Association emphasized the importance of AI coexisting with the copyright system to encourage original expression and protect the rights of copyright owners. The trade group represents major players in the industry such as Amazon Studios, Netflix, and Paramount Pictures. Their comment to the White House Office of Science and Technology reflects the ongoing discussions about the intersection of AI and copyright law. The statement highlights the need for a balance between technological advancements and copyright protection. The comment underscores the significance of finding solutions that benefit both creators and rights holders in the digital age.
In a ten-page comment directed to the White House Office of Science and Technology earlier this month, the Motion Picture Association said AI “can, and must, coexist with a copyright system that incentivizes the creation of original expression and protects the rights of copyright owners.” The trade group representing members Amazon Studios, Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal, Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Entertainment sent the missive during a now closed comment period sought by the Trump administration as it formulates its AI policy.
Challenges and Positions
Giants like OpenAI and Google have asked for fewer restrictions on how they use content to feed their large language models, posing a threat to the current copyright regime. They are calling it a national security matter because if anything slows them down, China will pull ahead in the AI race.
The filing, quietly posted to the MPA’s website, stakes out a position in broad strokes in line with the creative community but moderate enough to pass muster with all of its members. It follows public policy statements like the use of AI-generated digital replicas and AI-generated content in political ads.
AI and Copyright
The latest statement comes as AI really heats up. Artificial Intelligence has “great potential to enhance human creativity, promote human flourishing, and further our nation’s economic competitiveness,” the MPA said. But “to do this, these developments can, and must, coexist with a copyright system that incentivizes the creation of original expression and protects the rights of copyright owners.”
MPA President and CEO Charlie Rivkin echoed the sentiments in an interview with Deadline ahead of CinemaCon, the gathering of exhibitors and studios that started today in Las Vegas. He emphasized the importance of copyright in the industry and its role in innovation.
Concerns and Counterarguments
The letter comes as Hollywood guilds have criticized the MPA and its members for not being more vocal or taking legal action against AI giants for using copyrighted material without proper authorization. There are concerns that AI firms are pushing for exemptions from copyright law, which could have negative implications for the entertainment industry.
The MPA’s comments emphasize the importance of intellectual property protection and innovation, highlighting the economic contributions of the copyright industries to the U.S. GDP and the global market.
HONESTAI ANALYSIS
The MPA reaffirms its support for existing copyright laws and opposes unnecessary labeling requirements for works created with AI tools, citing concerns over creative freedom and First Amendment rights.